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/ 

SYLVESTER FLAGLER 

J30RN AT j-.OCKPORT, JT . J., j^EBRUARY 10, 1861. 

Died at ^usp. jBridge, J\. Y., j^ovember 29, 1880. 



THE RECORD OF A (^.ENEROUS LIFE RUNS LIKE A VINE AROUND THE 

MEMORY OF OUR DEAD, AND EVERY SWEET UNSELFISH 

ACT IS NOW A PERFUMED FLOWER." 



TS^vU^'^v.lv 



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BUFFALO: 
Young, Lock wood & Go's Steam Press. 

1881. 



_,,, ^^11 ,JI , , ...,^ 
THE LIBRARY 
or CONGRBSS 

WASHINGTON 



/^ 



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'4f 



TO THOSE WHO KNEW AND LOVED HIM, 



THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED 



BY HIS FATHER AND MOTHEI^ 



gin ^^exwoxxaxxx 



Sylvester Flagler, only child of Benjamin 
and Martha J. Flagler, died at Suspension 
Bridge, N. Y., November 29th, 1880. He was 
born in Lockport, N. Y„ February loth, 1861, but 
with his parents became a resident of Suspension 
Bridge in 1863, which place was his home while 
he lived. He was educated at the Suspension 
Bridge Public School and at De Veaux College, 
and, in the spring of 1878, graduated at Bryant's 
Commercial College, in Buffalo. His career in 
these educational institutions was marked by an 
aptitude for learning, and a gentlemanly bear- 
ing which endeared him to both teachers and 
companions. 

In July, 1878, he crossed the Atlantic, and 
spent over a year in different parts of Europe. 



6 

tie remained in England until January, 1879, 
when he went to Brunswick, Germany, where 
he staid until May following, perfecting him- 
self not only in the German language, but in 
a knowledge of the people and customs of that 
sturdy and historic country, in a manner that 
showed a comprehensive as well as a bright 
intellect. 

The ensuing summer was spent in leisurely 
travels up the Rhine, through Germany, Switz- 
erland, France, Belgium, Holland, and to Eng- 
land, and from there home in the fall of 18 79. 

A marked feature of this foreign sojourn and 
travel was, that it was made alone by a youth 
of seventeen years, and with no American com- 
panions except such as chance threw in his way. 
These meetings were frequent, and the surprise 
of old friends of his family, who met him in 
these foreign parts, soon gave place to real pleas- 
ure when they ascertained that he could be of 
more service to them than they to him. His 



descriptions of the scenes, people, and countries 
which he visited exhibited acquirements of ob- 
servation and thoughtfulness very rare for one 
of his age. 

From infancy his constitution was a delicate 
one, and he always evinced more intellectual 
than physical vigor ; but he returned from Eu- 
rope so well, bright, and hopeful, that for a 
season all doubt was removed that the bright 
promise of his youth would find fruition in a no- 
ble manhood. The fatal disease which caused 
his death was contracted the winter previous, 
while he was in Kansas City, Missouri, on a 
pleasure trip. 

He left home in January, visiting his uncle. 
Col. D. W. Flagler, at Rock Island, on his 
way, and soon after reaching Kansas City his 
parents were summoned to his sick bedside. 
After a few weeks of assiduous care he was 
able to be brought home, but in such a feeble 
condition that recovery was considered doubtful 



8 

even by those to whom he was dearest. But 
the ceaseless vigil and devoted care which at- 
tended the invalid's couch temporarily triumphed, 
and the gloom which had so long held sway in 
the circle of his home and friends was dispelled 
as he gradually regained health and was again 
seen in his accustomed ways. 

So hopeful, indeed, had all become, that when, 
in September last, he was again stricken with the 
same disease very sanguine were the hopes of 
his speedy recovery. But alas ! this was not to 
be, and the shock of grief and sympathy that 
saddened an entire community, on that sad No- 
vember day which announced his death, will be 
long remembered. 

Brief, very brief, was the life which opened so 
full of promise, and which bid fair to more than 
fulfill the expectations of doting parents and 
loving friends. But, if it was brief, it was long 
enough to leave behind many of those precious 
memories which elevate and ennoble humanity. 



Rich as were the gifts of this departed youth 
in all that secures earthly success and honor, 
richer still was he in those divine virtues which, 
exemplified in life, make man but a little lower 
than the angels. The manliness of character, the 
goodness of heart, the nobleness of deed, which 
were the companions of his every-day life, consti- 
tute a legacy which mourning friends will cherish 
as of priceless value, and is a monument to his 
memory more enduring than can be cast in bronze 
or chiseled in marble. s. s. p. 



^rien6B^tp's '@ri£»ufes 



The folloioing are Extracts from a fe7v of the many Letters of Sympathy 
received frotn Friends in different parts of the country and fro7n over the sea. 

St. Paul, Minn., December 3d, 1880. 
My Dear Friends: 

* 4f ^ -}f * -x- 

We were inexpressibly shocked and grieved to hear of 
Sylvester's death. While we can say nothing to lessen 
your grief, we mourn with you for your noble boy, for we 
too loved him. In years he was so young, but had lived 
more and had larger experiences than many old men; 
and it must comfort you to know that you made his life 
a happy one. He has left behind him a pure life. With 
all his opportunities to choose evil ways, if such had 
been his desire, he came back to you pure and manly, 
and the memory of his whole life is a pleasure. 

That you may have strength given you to bear your 
great trial is our most earnest wish. 

In sincere sympathy, 

A. J. G. 



1 1 

Geneva, N.Y., December 4th, 1880. 
My Dear Mr. and Mrs. Flagler : 

Painful as was my visit, still it was the source of some 
gratification to me, for I never witnessed greater sym- 
pathy for parents in affliction, than was shown by those 
who came from abroad, as well as by near neighbors. I 
was struck with the common appreciation of your loss, 
by remarks overheard from persons on the street, as well 
as from those admitted to personal intimate relations 
with the family. 

Sylvester was a boy of strongly-marked moral char- 
acter — witness his charity, long suffering and kind cling- 
ing to friends. His gentleness, which filled you with 
apprehension for his sufferings from contact with the 
world, and because of which it was so much harder to 
give him up, is now to be kept forever where the blight 
of mortal sin can never shock it. Remember that when 
in Europe, subject to all the dangers and temptations of 
this life, you trusted him to his Creator, so now believe 
that he is still your child, bound by the same ties of 
gentle love, very near you, and safe in God's Paradise. 

Very truly yours, 

R. J. 



12 



Chicago, 111., December 30, 1880. 



Mr, and Mrs. Benj. Flagler: 
Dear Friends : 

The fact that I have not written 
you sooner, and expressed my sympathy on account of 
your affliction, the death of your son and my friend, is 
not due to forgetfulness, you may be assured, but to a 
combination of untoward circumstances. 

Not alone on account of the esteem in which I have 
ever held you, his parents, was I drawn towards Sylves- 
ter, as he possessed all the traits of character that com- 
bined make up the perfect man, I met him, as you 
know, in Paris, when homeward bound, after spending 
the winter and summer of 1879 ^^ Germany, completing 
his knowledge of the language, and had I been a stranger 
I would have been attracted by his manly ways. As it 
was, we journeyed through France, Belgium, and Holland 
together, and the bands which ever bind countrymen, 
when traveling amid new scenes, among strange people 
and in foreign lands, appear to have been doubly strong 
in our case. Had I ever taken the time to think or cared 
to analyze the reasons that caused me so ardently to ad- 
mire one so considerably younger than myself, I would 
have found them in his frank, open disposition, his gen- 
erous ways, and that indefinable charm of manner lan- 
guage cannot describe. 



13 

Nor were the effects of these admirable traits of char- 
acter confined to myself. Thoroughly capable of taking 
care of himself, as by intuition, he was never imposed 
upon by sham appeals for charity, while aid was ever ex- 
tended from his ready purse to those deserving. His 
very greeting appeared to make him friends, and the 
tones of his voice brought forth a cheerful response, even 
from the peasant who did not understand his language. 
He could hardly have made enemies if he would. 

In the light of what has happened since, I have some- 
times thought that Sylvester had a premonition that 
his life would be but short ; but if such a shadow really 
did hover over his spirit, its effect was but transitory, 
and he was ever building high hopes for the future. In 
these " castles," as they are sometimes called, he was 
always providing a place for his parents whom he loved 
so well. 

Farther than this, my dear friends, I feel that I need 
not speak. Why one so loving, so brilliant, and with 
such promise of a useful life before him, was taken, and 
others left, is a mystery now known only to " Him who 
doeth all things well," and which will, I trust, be revealed 
to us in the great hereafter. 

With tears for the departed, and the feeling that I am 
in some faint degree united with you in a common sorrow, 

I remain, as ever. 

Yours very truly, 

L. C. S. 



H 



Manchester, England, December rsth, 1880. 

Dear Flagler : 

We were very greatly shocked to hear of 
Sylvester's death. How sad — how very sad it is. Alas, 
our hearts have been sadly crushed by the cold hand of 
death, during the year now drawing to a close ! It is the 
swift recurring lot of all mankind, and, do what we will, 
the end comes sooner or later. 

Sylvester was very dear to us, as he was so kind and 
pleasant always. The children, Harry and Mabel, re- 
member him very well, and their little faces were expres- 
sive of grief when I made them understand that they 
would see " Mr. Sylvy," as they called him, no more. 

No words of mine, my dear Mr. and Mrs. Flagler, 
can assuage the grief that now bows^you down, but you 
have our full sympathy in your deep affliction. 

The consolations of Heaven alone can bring peace, and 
by and by we shall meet our lost ones where death will 
not come. 

God bless you and yours, and give you both strength 
in this dark hour of sorrow and mourning. 

Faithfully yours, 

A. D. S. 



15 



^xoxnoteb, 



Affectionately inscribed to Capt. and Mrs. Benj. Flagler, 



"WHOM THE GODS LOVE, DIE YOUNG." 

/ 

When we behold the rising morning star, 

Shorn of its splendor by the sun-god's rays, 
We do not mourn the star, but rather praise 

The Power that brought such glory from afar. 
At dawn of one of June's most perfect days. 

When from some ancient castle's moated wall 
A flock of carrier doves are freed for flight, 

The bravest and most loving one of all 

First hears within the homing instinct call, 
And soonest hides among the clouds from sight. 

What if a new recruit, by valiant deed, 

Outranks his serried comrades old and gray, 
And gains the stars and spurs that are the meed 
Of heroes, such as in life's conflict lead, — 

Would those who love him best his fame delay ? 

We know the star, that was your guiding light, 

Is shrouded in the darkness of the grave : 
Your dove of promise, hidden from your sight 
Behind the clouds of death's long, gloomy night; 
And life and love o'erwhelmed by sorrow's wave. 



i6 



He grew not old ; in youth's unsullied prime 

His ransomed spirit sought its native shore. 
He lives with God, and from that nightless clime 
He sends a message to these shores of time, 
To bid his friends no more his fate deplore. 

He is not lost, oh hearts ! whose weeping wild 
Proclaims your love is manifold and great ! 
Remember this is now your high estate — 

To be the parents of an angel child ; 

And let the thought your sorrows mitigate. 

Simeon Tucker Clark. 



cxnoxiaC. 



At a Special Meeting of " Our Society," held the 
13th day of November, 1880, the following resolutions 
were adopted : 

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our 
midst, by the hand of death, our friend and associate, Syl- 
vester PYagler; and 

Whereas, It seems to us extremely fitting upon this solemn 
occasion, assembled as we now are, to render such tribute as 
we feebly can to his memory and worth, therefore be it 



17 



Resolved^ That in his decease we suffer the irreparable loss 
of an estimable and energetic member; a companion, whose 
amiability was of the most endearing kind ; a true and stead- 
fast friend, whose heart was ever warm with affectionate sym- 
pathy, and whose noble nature commends itself as one most 
worthy of our emulation. And, though we mourn his being 
called away, let us hope that he has entered into that heavenly 
rest which awaits the children of God. 

Resolved^ That we tender the parents of our deceased com- 
rade our heartfelt sympathies in this their hour of deep afflic- 
tion ; and though no earthly comfort can assuage their grief, 
we do most fervently invoke the grace of God, the Comforter, 
to enable them to accept with Christian resignation the ways 
of an inscrutable Providence. 

"Rest in peace, thou gentle spirit, 
Throned above ; 
Souls like thine with God, inherit 
Life and love." 

Resolved^ That our room be draped in mourning, and a 
copy of these resolutions be presented to the parents of the 
deceased, be engrossed upon the minutes of " Our Society," 
and inserted in the Suspension Bridge "Journal " and Niagara 

Falls "Gazette." 

S. Z. Harroun, 
E. Rommel, President. 

Secretary. 



i8 



^xoxn t^e ^xc!&^. 



Suspension Bridge Jotirnal of January 22d^ i88i. 

" Our Society " has beautifully engrossed and neatly 
framed the " Resolutions of Sympathy" on the death of 
Sylvester Flagler, one of its members, and presented 
the same to his parents. The work of engrossing was 
done by R. D. Wing, Esq., and is the finest work of art 
of the kind that ever came under our observation. 



Lockport Daily Journal, November joth, iSSo. 

Sylvester Flagler, son of Captain Benjamin 
Flagler, Collector of Customs at Suspension Bridge, 
died at his home in that village yesterday noon, after a 
long and painful illness. The blow of course falls with 
terrible and crushing effect upon Capt. Flagler and his 
estimable and devoted wife. 

The deceased was a young man of uncommon promise ; 
genial, cultured, and a special favorite with all his com- 
panions. An only child, upon whom the hopes of fond 
parents centred, nothing had been neglected that could 



19 

in any way add to his pleasure or benefit. He had been 
educated in the best of schools here, and had enjoyed 
that widening and liberalizing experience which is the 
peculiar advantage of foreign travel. 

His disease was pleurisy, something of which first at- 
tacked him about a year ago, when on a visit to Kansas 
City. He received medical treatment at the time, and 
returning home it was hoped and believed he had been 
permanently benefited. But such finally proved not to 
be the case. The old foe returned, and this time with 
resistless enmity. The best of human skill proved un- 
availing, and after an unequal contest of long duration, 
but one in which the sufferer bore himself with remark- 
able fortitude and patience, he finally passed peacefuU)' 
away. 

In their deep affliction Captain and Mrs. Flagler ma}' 
rest assured they have the sincere and heartfelt sympath}^ 
of their large and attached circle of friends throughout 
Niagara county. 



Suspension Bridge Jotirnal, December 4th, 18S0. 

Although not wholly unprepared for the event, the an- 
nouncement of the death of SYLVESTER Flagler, which 
occurred on Monday last, was a great shock to this com- 
munity, and caused wide-spread gloom and sorrow. 



20 

The deceased had grown up from infancy to opening 
manhood in this village, and was as widely beloved and 
respected as he was known. Indeed, the old adage that 
'• the good die young," received fresh vindication in this 
sad taking off. Young Flagler early developed the 
fact that he was born with more mental than physical 
vigor, but fond parents struggled with zealous care and 
watchful effort to supply the deficiency. In pursuance 
of this purpose some three years ago he was sent to Eu- 
rope, where he remained long enough to secure the com- 
plete mastery of the German language, and returned with 
a constitution, as was believed, invigorated and strength- 
ened. He maintained his usual health until last March, 
when on a visit to friends at Kansas City, Missouri, he 
was prostrated by pleurisy, and which on his return 
home was followed up by other complications which 
brought him near death's door. He, however, tempora- 
rily recovered, and hopes were entertained that his youth 
and vitality would enable him to conquer his ailment. 
But it was a delusive hope. Early in September last, 
the disease renewed its virulence, and the struggle, which 
ended so sadly on Monday last, has been continued ever 
since. In this struggle he had all the aid which medical 
skill, doting parents, loving friends and a sympathizing 
community could extend, but it was of no avail. Death 
loves a shining mark, and it is among the inscrutable 



21 

Providences that those who, to mortal eyes, have most 
to live for, are so often the first to die. Our whole com- 
munity feels stricken in this sad calamity, which has 
taken from us one whom none knew but to love. But 
who can minister to the crushed hearts of that bereaved 
father and mother in this hour? Him alone, whose com- 
passion is infinite, and whose love is everlasting. 

The funeral was observed from the residence of the 
family on Wednesday afternoon last, and was largely at- 
tended by friends from abroad as well as at home. Rev. 
Dr. Ely, of Lockport, officiated, reciting the solemn 
burial service of the Episcopal liturgy with impressive 
effect. The beautiful singing was furnished by the choir 
of the Congregational Church of Lockport. The remains 
were deposited in the vault at Oakwood Cemetery, in 
this place, where they will be kept for final burial in 
the Spring. The pall bearers were Messrs. E. ROMMEL, 
Allen Jeffrey, James Brown, C. F. Buck, M. V. 
Pearson, John Hancock, Henry Clark, C. S. Rice. 
Henry Fales, and R. S. Calkins. 



Sitspension Bridge jfo7irnal, December ^th, 1880. 



The beautiful floral offerings at Sylvester Flagler's 
funeral were the gifts of friends. Among them were a 



22 

cross and crown from Mr/ and Mrs. A. M. WiTMER ; a 
large standing cross from Mr. and Mrs. H. E. WOOD- 
FORD ; a star, with the initial " S," from HOWARD and 
Flora Pearson ; a cross, with initials '' S. F.," from 
Martin V. Pearson ; a cross from Mr. and Mrs. La- 
MONT ; a wreath from the Suspension Cornet Band ; a 
pillow of flowers from " Our Society," of which the de- 
ceased had been an honored member for seven years ; 
two baskets of flowers from Miss Sarah Flagler and 
Mrs. E. H. Terrill, and a bouquet from Miss KlEFER, 
of Buffalo. 






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